Horror fans often feel jaded that thereâ€™s nothing new to see. There are only so many ways to kill a character or instill fear. Magic Magic attempts to toe the line between horror and psychological thriller in a way that audiences donâ€™t normally see. In lieu of knives, serial killers or demons were provided with anxiety, psychosis and paranoia. Magic Magic takes the mundane and makes it terrifying as we follow Juno Templeâ€™s â€śAliciaâ€ť to Chile.

The film begins as Alicia arrives in Chile to vacation with her cousin â€śSaraâ€ť, played by Sucker Punchâ€™s Emily Browning. Theyâ€™re joined by Saraâ€™s boyfriend and friends (including Michael Cera) as they venture into the Chilean countryside. Shortly after arriving Sara must return home and in doing so leaves Alicia alone with them.

Magic Magic understands the power of social anxiety. Juno Temple is able to embody these emotions like few others can in this Oscar worthy performance. Michael Cera also stands out as one of the creepiest characters since Buffalo Bill, â€śBrinkâ€ť. The filmâ€™s primary tension comes as a result of Aliciaâ€™s inability to cope with her new surroundings and the people she is left with.

Magic Magic will not be for everyone. It is certainly a slow burn and requires your full attention. Itâ€™s less narrative driven than most Hollywood films, but what it lacks in plot it makes up for in atmosphere. Writer/Director SebastiĂˇn Silva clearly has an eye for mood and tone. This film is extremely unsettling and has something to say about the fragility of the human spirit and survival of the fittest.

Ultimately I recommend this movie to those who like independent horror, psychological films and/or Juno Temple and Michael Cera. Bonus points if youâ€™re ok with films that arenâ€™t tied up in a neat bow.